Absolutely! FRP has excellent waterproofing properties, unlike other building materials such as wood or metal. While it does have a slight absorbency, its absorption rate is minimal compared to wood, making it ideal for moisture-prone environments.
Water causes corrosion
Corrosion, whether from various substances or water, can become a significant issue when constructing buildings in environments prone to high humidity. In this case, the wood tends to absorb large amounts of moisture, causing it to warp, while the metal can corrode. These conditions pose many challenges, including dangerous deterioration, costly maintenance, and a higher risk of accidents.
While many substances, including oils, acids and even blood, are corrosive, water is the primary concern. why is that? It’s simple; water is a ubiquitous component in nearly all industrial settings across all sectors. Whether used for cleaning, cooling purposes, or as a natural part of the environment, water plays a vital role.
Why is water worthy of concern?
Although water is an essential element used in various industries, its presence can be harmful. Structures such as wooden or metal walkways, decks, handrails and stairs are susceptible to damage, posing safety risks. This kind of damage can lead to serious accidents or even death, which is something no company wants to encounter. These risks can be mitigated using FRP structures.
water and wood
Although cost-effective, wood is highly susceptible to damage from fire, extreme temperatures, and impact. However, water poses a significant threat due to wood’s highly absorbent nature. Even treated wood can be susceptible to rot or warping in environments such as oil rigs, water parks, marinas and outdoor facilities.
While wood can be sealed, this protection is temporary and will need to be resealed frequently. Neglecting to reseal can allow water to seep in, causing irreversible damage. Water-damaged wood can lose strength, warp, loosen fasteners, or completely deteriorate.
Water and steel
Although steel is stronger than wood, it also has weaknesses. Its weight increases transportation costs, and it often requires reinforced concrete for support. Additionally, steel poses safety hazards due to its conductivity and susceptibility to corrosion. The corrosive nature of water can break down the iron in steel, causing rust. Rust weakens steel, making it fragile and dangerous on load-bearing structures like decks.
Water Resistance of FRP
FRP has extremely low absorbency, making it effectively impermeable to water. This property is due to its composition of composite resin and fiberglass without any metal components. Therefore, FRP eliminates the risk of rust, ensuring safety without compromise. Its superior performance in humid conditions has led to widespread adoption in various industries with high humidity.